About Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts to an American mother, Abiah Folger and a British father, Josiah in 1706. Considered the father of electricity, through his inventions, writings, and extensive activities as a printer, philosopher and more, Franklin helped advance the Age of Enlightenment.

As a key founder of the United States, he is the only statesman to have signed all four documents that created a new nation: The Declaration of Independence (1776), the Treaty of Alliance with France (1778), the Treaty of Paris establishing peace with Britain (1783) and The Constitution (1787).

Franklin’s influence and innovation still impact our lives today. He died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 17 April 1790 as one of history’s great figures.